double standard

[duhb-uhl stan-derd] / ˈdʌb əl ˈstæn dərd /

NOUN

contrasting principles

Synonyms

WEAK

contradictory standard two sets of rules

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

A junior member of President Emmanuel Macron's government Wednesday criticized Clooney getting his passport despite speaking poor French, saying the move suggested a "double standard."

From Barron's • Dec. 31, 2025

This double standard is reflected in Georgia’s polling.

From Salon • Oct. 6, 2025

The suit criticized USC’s decision to keep the Wilson donation as “a deeply troubling double standard and a gross misuse of donor trust.”

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 20, 2024

“Seriously the double standard here is incredible,” posted Neera Tanden, a top White House official with the Biden administration who was an advisor to the Clinton campaign.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 16, 2024

There was, however, a bit of a double standard when it came to romance.

From "A Thousand Sisters" by Elizabeth Wein